Writing Classes

Join Me and Journal!

January 23, 2023 by Lisa Tener

Journaling is one of my favorite tools for personal growth, creative fulfillment and transformation.

I do a lot of funky things in my journals–recording my dreams in the morning, which can include dialoging with a dream character, penning a poem inspired by the dream or something really out there like a one-act play with Greek chorus (not necessarily something I’m going to distribute commercially, but it was really fun to see where the dream took me.} Dream journaling can also serve as a portal to larger work like blog posts and books.

Just as fun and creative can be journaling prompts (I’m working through the untethered soul-guided journal I bought at Kripalu a week ago), and I still go back to The Joy of Writing Journal from time to time.

The start of a new year also offers an excellent time to journal about the kind of year we want to experience, creatively and otherwise. And, given that we’re already three weeks into 2023, we can think about how the year’s starting out and explore whether it’s going in a direction that feels juicy and fulfilling or if we need some course correcting.

If you’d like 2023 to be a wildly creative and fulfilling year, join me for a Virtual Journaling Party and Workshop.

Virtual Journaling Party and Workshop
* Wednesday morning, February 1
* 11:30 am ET, 8:30 am PT
Come in your sweats and bunny slippers or dress up for your creative muse!

Explore what would make 2023 your most fulfilling year yet!
Choose and prioritize the creative project(s) you want to complete this year.
Journal about what might get in the way and what support you need to get it done!
Set yourself up for a wildly creative and fulfilling year.

Learn the TENER Method for Creative Flow and
* Tune into your deepest inner promptings.
* Explore your dreams and vision for 2023.
* Riff on some juicy prompts to put your vision into words.
* Get clear on priorities and bring your vision into your daily activities.
Fee: Purchase The Joy of Writing Journal before February 1, email me a copy or picture of your receipt and I’ll send you the Zoom link.

Already have a copy? Buy one as a gift!

How to Share Your Writing

June 12, 2020 by Lisa Tener

book writing coach Lisa Tener — Photo credit: Paula Schonewald

Does a part of you yearn to share your writing? When you hear someone else share their writing by reading aloud, or a writer shares by posting an excerpt, does it both inspire you and make you break out in hives? Do you wonder what you’re missing by not sharing your writing?

The Power of Sharing Your Writing

We had our first “Get Your Writing Done” Program workshop today. When one participant shared some of what he wrote from one of the writing prompts, it moved me deeply, and I could see how it moved the other participants as well.

I got some writing done, as well. I loved the distinction between teaching for an hour and a half and, in this case, creating a space where people would be inspired and committed and get some writing done.

At the end of class, I decided to practice what I preach. I read a one paragraph excerpt from the book I’m writing:

“Be curious.

“When we write entirely from what we know and planned, our writing can fall flat. The best writing allows for spontaneity. When you’re at your most inspired, you learn something as you write. You expand beyond who you were twenty minutes ago when you began writing. You write on the frontiers of your own consciousness. Be open to the possibility that you will grow with your writing. It’s not something to force; you need to get out of your own way for that to happen.”

We can write in a vacuum for so long. It feels freeing to share your work with others and get the sense that your writing makes an impact.

And, hearing it aloud, whether you read it or someone reads to you, you get to tweak and polish, as well.

How to Share Your Writing

Join a critique group or writing workshop with a facilitator you trust (who treats everyone with dignity, inspires and sets a positive tone).
Be clear on your goal – why do you want to share your writing? Do you need a cheerleader to shift self-doubt? Or do you feel lonely in the writing and need to get some response to move on? Or do you want feedback or critique? If critique, trust your intuition about when to share your writing.
Share a snippet of a book in a blog post, as you see me do here. You may not want to give your whole premise away–be mindful about what you want to share early and what you want to save for when the book is published.

How to Get Over Shyness

Tell yourself that sharing will help you make improvements.
Tell your readers or listeners that it’s a rough draft. That way no one will expect perfection.
Remind yourself that others want to be supportive; they’re probably looking for what they like about it, not what they don’t like.
Ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?” Imagine sharing your writing and having that thing you’re afraid of actually happening. Your fantasy may give you the freedom to then share!
Only share with people you trust. If you’re afraid of criticism, let them know more specifically what you want from them. Maybe you don’t want any critique but just to be able to get over the fear of sharing.

Feel free to share a paragraph you’ve written below! Or share your experiences about sharing your writing.

You Are Invited to a FREE Creativity Workshop

February 25, 2020 by Lisa Tener

Ready for a free creativity workshop?

As you may know, I’m working on a book that helps you consistently access a state of creative flow.

And I’ve refined by 5 Steps for “writing in the zone” to incorporate my new insights. At a focus group meeting, two long-term clients suggested I call this new iteration the “TENER Method” for creative flow. The whole group gave that a thumbs up, so I sat with it and it grew on me!

And now, I’m ready to share it. For free. In a creativity workshop. On Zoom.

I don’t want to wait for my book to start getting this work out the world. I’ve been sharing it in my book proposal class and now in my Bring Your Book to Life(R) Program. It’s been super-exciting to see this work:

Help writers break through blocks.
Inspire new ideas
Take people’s writing to a new level.
Make writing more fun and fulfilling.

So, I’m opening this training up to everyone in my community. Now it’s your turn, if you’d like to learn it.

Learn the TENER Method For Creative Flow:

5 Steps to get you writing (and creating) in the Zone.

Join me Tuesday, March 10 @ 8:00pm ET | 5:00pm PT

It’s FREE.

Event has passed.

Harvard Medical School’s CME Writing and Publishing Course

January 14, 2020 by Lisa Tener

Many of the most successful authors I work with have attended Harvard Medical School’s writing and publishing course.

And you may have read my recent interview with the course director Julie Silver, MD, who shared many of the areas that the course is branching out into, such as writing and publishing op/eds, podcasting and how to ramp up your speaking career.

In today’s post, I interview past attendee Carla Naumburg, PhD, author of How to Stop Losing Your S**t with Your Kids, and three other excellent books on parenting. Enjoy Dr. Naumburg’s insights on the power of this course for those wishing to write and publish a book in the health, psychology, parenting or self-help fields, in particular.

Carla Naumburg, PhD on goals and takeaways from Harvard Medical School CME Publishing Course

Atttendees and faculty at Harvard Medical School publishing course. — Hisla Bates, MD, Carla Naumburg, PhD and Lisa Tener at Harvard Medical School CME writing and publishing course.

Lisa: What initially brought you to the Harvard Medical School CME Publishing course?

Dr. Naumburg: I had never before seen a writing course specifically geared towards clinicians. I had been to a number of conferences for clinicians, as well as those for writers, but never both at once!

Lisa: What was your biggest surprise going into it?

Dr. Naumburg: It was refreshing to spend time with other authors (and aspiring authors) of evidence-based self-help books. It was inspiring and energizing to be with kindred spirits.

Lisa: What are three of the biggest takeaways you got from that course?

Dr. Naumburg:

Self-help books matter. They help people in very real and meaningful ways.
Writers need to take themselves seriously, and we need to share our writing with others as often as possible.
I learned a variety of ways for utilizing social media to make connections with other writers and get the word out about my writing.

[bctt tweet=”What a Writer Needs…” username=”LisaTener”]

Lisa: I think you touch on such important aspects of what a writer needs—community, support and then the very specific strategies for success. The writing and publishing course really delivers in all three areas. You’re surrounded by smart people, you get to meet and get feedback from agents, publishers, freelancers, book coaches—a whole variety of professionals. And there’s so much you’re exposed t0. It’s a real crash course in the publishing industry and online media. How many times have you attended (and why)?

Dr. Naumburg: I’ve been to the conference twice. I went back for ongoing learning, as well as support and connection with other writers.

Lisa: What advice do you have for someone looking to write and publishing a health book, or write articles or start a blog in the medical field?

Dr. Naumburg: Get yourself support, from the folks at a conference like this one, and from professionals! Such support can make a huge difference in helping you to take the first step, and ultimately having some significant success.

How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids — How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids has just been published by Workman Publishing

Lisa: Workman has recently published your book How to Stop Losing Your S**t with your Kids. In what ways did the Harvard Medical School writing and publishing course help you get there?

Dr. Naumburg: The course inspired me to continue working on my books even after I was feeling frustrated with the process! In addition, the course introduced me to you, and you were instrumental in helping me revise my book proposal for How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids.

Finding Voice in Writing

Lisa: It was such a fun project to work on. I love your voice and I think it’s one reason your books do so well—you possess a strong voice that’s both authoritative and warm, humorous and vulnerable. Readers feel we’re having a conversation with you as a guide who “gets us.” Anyone looking to write a parenting book or other self-help book would do well to study how you blend these qualities to deliver a tone that gives readers what they need and stays authentic.

I wanted to point out, too, that some of your excellent advice to parents, specifically from the chapter on, “Shit You Have to Do if You Don’t Want to Lose Your Shit” applies well to writing a book. You tell parents to take care of themselves to avoid triggers. Get plenty of sleep. Do one thing at a time, rather than attempting to multitask. Respect your boundaries. Every one of those tips will help you write a book!

Did any particular workshops stand out for you at the course?

Dr. Naumberg: I found the advanced workshop on how to write a book proposal immensely helpful in getting direction, clarity, and straightforward advice on how to write and revise my proposal. It was excellent. Also, Rusty Shelton’s social media presentations and Susan Aiello’s instruction on verbs.

Lisa: Susan and I share a passion for verbs. I first learned about the power of verbs from the late Frank Conroy who served as the Director of the Iowa Writers Workshop for decades immediately after I studied with him. He consistently advocated for specificity in verb use as the way to make your writing sing. I still hear his voice in my head when I edit. I like to tell writers, “Verbs are Your Superpower” as a writer. Adverbs, on the other hand, can be your kryptonite!

Is there anything else you’d like to say about Harvard Medical School’s writing and publishing course?

Dr. Naumburg: Yes, I highly recommend this course for academics and clinicians looking to break into the world of popular writing and blogging. It was incredibly helpful to me!

Carla Naumburg, PhD, is a writer, speaker, and clinical social worker. She is the author of three parenting books: the bestselling How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids (Workman, 2019), Ready, Set, Breathe: Practicing Mindfulness with Your Children for Fewer Meltdowns and a More Peaceful Family (New Harbinger, 2015), and Parenting in the Present Moment: How to Stay Focused on What Really Matters (Parallax, 2014). Carla has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, CNN, and Mindful Magazine, among other places. Carla lives outside of Boston with her husband, daughters, and two totally insane cats.

The Most Powerful Personal Growth Tool Around

January 25, 2017 by Lisa Tener

What’s the shortcut to personal growth?

Hint: Maybe it’s not exactly a shortcut.

Answer: Yes. You got it. Writing a book.

[bctt tweet=”How Writing a Book Changes You (for the Better) ” username=”LisaTener”]

One of the joys of being a book coach is seeing people’s lives expand, grow and deepen in remarkable ways as they journey from aspiring author to published author.

After writing and publishing her first book, Amy O’Brien, a Bring Your Book to Life® Program graduate admitted that, “Writing a book was something I thought was reserved for other people. I honestly didn’t believe I could do it.” Once Amy broke through her own doubts, she went on to write two books, Stuck with Mr. Wrong and Star in Your Own Life Story. You can imagine how exciting it was to see her inner writer—freed!

book photo author in bookstore — Victoria Dunckley finds her book on the shelf of her local bookstore.

Another Bring Your Book to Life® Program graduate, Victoria Dunckley, MD, confessed that she was terrified of being on TV. Yet, in service to her book and the good she knew she could accomplish with it (and with the hope of attracting a publisher) she overcame that fear and appeared on the Today Show as a mental health expert—twice! Now, Reset Your Child’s Brain is a reality, published by New World Library, and her work has influenced other bestselling authors, creating a movement around reducing screen time for kids.

Carol Lambert, MSW , author of Women with Controlling Partners, shares, “I ran the Boston Marathon at 42. Writing and publishing a book gave me a similar sense of empowerment, like, ‘What can I take on next?’ Both achievements make me hopeful that when I break down tasks and master them I can get to the finish line. That’s how I approached the marathon and approached my book.

“Since becoming an author, I continue to feel more and more confident in my professional life, and have greater ownership of what I know. I’m becoming the expert that people see me as. I had to grow into it and I’m still growing into it. ”

Writing and publishing Feedback First gave Huibert Evekink the confidence he needed to leave his job in a multinational company in order to start his own consulting business, something he’d contemplated for years. Less than four months after publishing, he is helping teams boost performance by improving communication skills. His clients come from both the private and public sector around the globe.

And you?

book rebuild your immune system — This book by Bring Your Book to Life® graduate Linda Mercer was just published!

When you write a book, you say “yes” to:

Your dreams.
Your abilities.
Your gifts.
Overcoming self doubt and old habits that hold you back.
Sharing your wisdom and experience.
Making a difference for more people.
Creative self expression.
Being a mentor.
Giving back.

I can promise you, this will require some stretching on your part. We all have some “ego-consciousness,” “stinking thinking,” and habits that keep us from playing as big as our potential.

We also all have a spark of genius—actually, a bright light. We all have access to creativity, inspiration, passion, wisdom, knowledge.

Every time you say yes to working on your book, you are saying yes to the light within. Every time you doubt yourself and let that stop you, you are giving into that voice of ego, inner-critic, saboteur.

It should be an easy choice, but it isn’t always. Is it?

Sometimes you need tools.

Ta-da.

[bctt tweet=”5 Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic ” username=”LisaTener”]

Another recent product of my Bring Your Book to Life®Program

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway: It’s okay. Let that voice chatter away. Sit in your chair and write anyway.
Create Community: Surround yourself with people who are also committed to embracing their creative spark, perhaps even those writing a book!
Reach Out: Having a tough time? Connect with a trusted friend or colleague you know will be supportive.
Have a Plan: Schedule specific dates and times to write; plan with an accountability partner; join a book writing course or class (yes, I have one coming up!). A plan will help you write even when you don’t want to. It will give you structure and support to stay the course.
Spend Time in Sacred Space: Both sacred inner space and sacred environments will support the brilliant writer part of you. Spend time in nature, meditate, sit quietly in a church or temple or yoga class—any places that will inspire you. Remember, too, creating that quiet time and space can also crowd out the critic. I guess space behaves more like a gas than a vaccum in that way, but there’s my nerdy side showing up. I digress.

Back to You, Personal Growth and Writing Your Book

Bring Your Book to Life graduate® Kimber Simpkins at one of her first book signings. Shortly after, her book, Full, was picked up by a traditional publisher.

Personal growth may not be your number one reason for writing a book, but when you look back on the experience, it will be a very rewarding one.

Imagine it now. You hold your book in your hands. Someone says to you, “I always wanted to write a book.”

And you say, “Do it. It will change your life. For good.”

What are your reason for writing a book?

It’s not too late to explore my Bring Your Book to Life® Program for 2017. I only teach this book writing course once a year. You’ll find that support, accountability, momentum, plus guidance from a seasoned coach who loves helping aspiring authors discover the sparkle that makes their books distinct. And more. So much more. Read more more more about Bring Your Book to Life® here.

Update: My new program, Get Your Writing Done, occurs every week! Join us and learn how to get in a state of flow with ease and write your best stuff! Get the support and accountability you need to write a great book, finish and publish it!

Has writing a book changed you? Share your experience?

Target Market for a Book: Do I Go Broad or Niche?

February 24, 2016 by Lisa Tener

I’m often asked about identifying the target market for a book. Here’s my answer, in a nutshell.

Do you want to impact the greatest number of readers possible? Does it seem to you that your book could benefit just about everyone?

That was my orientation when I co-authored The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Anger. I soon learned from my more experienced co-authors and several literary agents that the audience needed to be narrowed down. While people outside a defined market may well read your book, you still need to target to a defined market. That’s how you reach them.

Writing a Book for “Everybody”

In a phone consultation with a client in my Bring Your Book to Life Program the other morning, I found myself in what is for me a familiar conversation. The writer has medical and scientific information that can help people with virtually any health issue, people of all ages, all demographics, preventatively or even if they have some kind of health condition.

And, of course, wanting to help as many people as she can, it’s tempting to make the audience as broad as possible.

The problem is, people tend to buy a nonfiction health-related book based on one of two things:

I think this book will help me solve my problem.
I think this book will help me reach my goal.

Sure, sometimes curiosity or inspiration fuels a book sale, but, by far, the majority of sales, particularly for a health-related book come from the above two motivators.

If the title is too broad, it’s going to be hard to get the reader’s attention. A diabetic is looking for a book about diabetes. A pregnant mom looks for pregnancy books. A parent with an autistic child will look for a book with “autism” in the title and will likely search for “autism” on Amazon or in a bookstore.

While some broad titles do make it big, it’s much easier to go niche, especially if you do not already have a big following or mailing list.

Know Your Book’s Market

Amazon dominates book sales. If you want your book to do well in that dominant market, you need to think about what keywords readers will type in to find your book. And, in general, the more specific the keywords, the more likely that readers will find you on Amazon.

While your book’s title will attract core readers to the book, researching your book’s market and knowing your core audience will also help you write to that audience in a voice and tone that resonates for them. Knowing your target audience will also help you market and sell books, because you’ll know–or can research–where such readers “hang out” online and offline–news sites, websites specific to a disease or problem or goal, association websites.

Are there ever reasons to go broad? Absolutely. I always counsel my clients to educate themselves on the market and then listen to their inner promptings. If the inner voice counsels differently, don’t ignore it. Explore it.

What questions do you have about writing a book? Ask away.